Jack Trow, who has been rehearsing the new Untied Artists show here, has just spotted The venue used as a location for The Hustle. Anyone who can find an online link for that will be much in our favour.

Also, look out for the space as the backdrop for photographs modelling ‘urban golf chic’ – which isn’t something I know much about but am happy we can facilitate. There’s not currently enough golf on the streets of Ladywood.

The annual Theatre-ish party last night brought together an impressive range of folk from across the Birmingham Theatre/Artsy scene. It was good fun. Next year let’s make it even bigger and even better.

This week Pif Paf Arts are working in our Australia space with various contraptions they have brought with them down from Sheffield. They are in the early stages of making a new show, Object and Impulse, which can be seen, outdoors, in all its glory come summer 2012.

Birmingham University students are stepping up preparations for their version of Hamlet @ A E Harris. The set is built, seats arranged, lights focused, sound plumbed in, rehearsals taking place, something rotting.

Last night was great, about 150 turned up for Birmingham Jazz and Sound and Music’s promotion of Harold Budd and The Neck. Both were improvised sets. Harold Budd’s ethereal piano sketches were loop and fed back to create a satisfying soundscape enhanced at one point by distant sirens from outside the venue. The Neck then stormed through an hour long improvisation in which the hypnotic rhythms and repetitions lead you to hear sounds coming from instruments you can clearly see aren’t there. (more…)

The stage is constructed, video screen and projector mounted, lights rigged and seats gathered. We’re nearing readiness for the big gig on Thursday night. Two seminal acts, well worth checking out (links via the diary).

Good reports coming through about the first Play School. A good turnout of energetic types played at lemon jousting, moustache making and a human fruit machine – amongst other activities. Sorry you missed it? Maybe there’ll be a rematch, who knows. Photos of this event can be found here.

We’re pleased to welcome Sideways Theatre here for the week, they are polishing up Zoro’s Christmas Adventure for touring. It looks like good fun.

We’ve got a new boiler, there’s no excuse for leaving the washing up now.

Pigeons got the early advantage but John and Craig have struck back with netting. Let’s see what the pigeon’s next move is.